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2016 – The International scientific and public conference “Lyudmila V. Shaposhnikova: scientist, thinker, public figure. On the occasion of 90th
anniversary of the birth”. (8-11October)

From 8 to 11 October, 2016 the non-governmental Museum named after Nicholas Roerich of the International Centre of the Roerichs hosted the International scientific and public conference “Lyudmila V.Shaposhnikova: scientist, thinker, public figure. On the occasion of the 90th
anniversary of the birth” under the auspices of Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO.

Conference organizer: International Centre of the Roerichs (ICR).

Coorganizers: Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Russian Academy of Cosmonautics named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky, the Russian Philosophical Society,the Institute of History of Science and Technology named after S.I. Vavilov of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the International Association of Peace Foundations, Charitable Foundation named after Helena Roerich, the International Roerich’s Heritage PreservationCommittee. The Conference was supported by the UN Information Centre in Moscow.

Lyudmila V. Shaposhnikova (1926–2015) – is a famous Russian historian, Orientalist, Great philosopher, outstanding researcher and promoter of the Roerichs’ heritage, writer, traveler and public figure.

Her tremendous contribution to science and culture is honored by state awards: Order of Friendship for outstanding contribution to the development of museology and preservation of cultural heritage (2006) and Order “For Merits for the Motherland” IV degree (2011), as well as honorary awards and diplomas. L.V. Shaposhnikova is the award winner of Jawaharlal Nehru award “For outstanding contribution to the strengthening of Indo-Soviet Friendship”(1967) and many other international awards, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Russian Academy of Cosmonautics named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky, Doctor Honoris Causa of the Sofia University, Doctor Honoris Causa of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences; Doctor Honoris Causa of the Kyrgyz−Russian Slavonic University, Honored Art Worker of the Russian Federation.

Final 26 years of the life she had entirely devoted to the non-governmental Museum named after Nichols Roerich established by her according to the will of Svetoslav Roerich, being its permanent Director General, First Vice-President of the International Centre of the Roerichs, President of theCharitable Foundation named after Helena Roerich, editor in chief of the “Culture and Time” magazine.

Lyudmila Shaposhnikova is the author of 35 books and more than 500 articles, dedicated to the Indian culture, scientific-philosophical and artistic heritage of the Roerichs and other prominent representatives of philosophy, science and culture.

A.V. Stetsenko

The conference meeting commenced with a listening to audio recording of speech by Lyudmila Shaposhnikova delivered 19 years ago in 1997 on the 3rd exhibition opening of the non-governmental Museum named after Nicholas Roerich. L.V. Shaposhikova said that Museum was created without any government support due to national funding. Establishment of the Museum is the fulfillment of the will and testament of Svetoslav Roerich. The ICR Vice-President A.V. Stetsenko delivered the greeting message of Y.H. Temirkanov, President of the ICR, artistic director of the Saint-Petersburg Academic Philharmonic named after D.D. Shostakovich. Unfortunately owing to a busty touring schedule Y.H. Temirkanov could not personally attend the conference. The ICR President noted that Lyudmila Shaposhnikova was the enthusiast of culture and ICR is the cooperation centre which should continue its developing as the non-governmental museum.

Then the floor was given to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Russian Federation Ms. Delgermaa Banzragchiyn. She paid tribute of deep respect and honor to L.V. Shaposhnikova. This was a great woman of courage, determination and uncompromising stand. Roerich contributed significantly to the study of Mongolian culture. Relations between Russia and Mongolia represent a time-proven friendship.

Gennady M. Pechnikov, People's artist of the RSFSR, President of ICR from 1991 to 1999, shared his memories about the terrifying condition of the Lopoukhins’ Estate when it was initially transferred to the non-governmental Museum named after Nicholas Roerich and its reconstruction seemed to be a lost cause. However due to the efforts of L.V. Shaposhnikova the expositions and Roerichs monuments were opened. G.M. Pechnikov also said that if he was a sculptor, he would raise a monument to Lyudmila Shaposhnikova.

Alexander M. Eliseev, Chairman of Committee for traffic of cultural property, preservation of cultural heritage and patronage of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted the relevance of the Roerich Pact in contemporary world. Alexander M. Eliseev remembered the words of the Russian President V.V. Putin that patriotism is a national idea of our country. ICR could participate in programme development on preservation of national culture and patriotic education.

Then the floor was taken by Victor V. Kondrashin, Committee member for Education, Culture and Science of Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Doctor of History, professor. V.V.Kondrashin said about his love to the Roerichs, his adoration of L.V. Shaposhnikova. After all, thanks to such enthusiasts like L.V. Shaposhnikova the world continues its existence. He regretted that Lyudmila Shaposhnikova early passed from us and if she had been alive, the Museum would not have faced these problems.

D. Banzragchiyn

G.M. Pechnikov

A.M. Eliseev

V.V. Kondrashin

Ruben Dario Flores, Minister Plenipotentiary of Embassy of Colombia in Russia, professor of the National University of Colombia greeted the conference participants. His brilliant and deep-felt performance received a lively response of the guests. According to Mr. Flores, Russia is a centre of peace and love.

According to Alexander Migunov, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Vice-President of the Intentional public movement “The Eastern Dimension”, the ICR expresses the lightest strength of Russian people.

Andrey A. Zolotov, the Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Arts, Doctor of arts, professor, shared his memories and thoughts of L.V. Shaposhnikova. Z.K. Tsereteli also presents his compliments to the contribution of L.V. Shaposhnikova to preservation of Russian culture. A.A. Zolotov always listened to Lyudmila Shaposhnikova with great pleasure and now we see her wise face looking from the portrait.

R.D. Flores

A.A. Migunov

G.N. Mezentsev

A.A. Zolotov

The conference also received many greetings from public and state figures, scientists, artists and teachers.

Alexander A. Avdeev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Holy See, former Minister of Culture commended the outstanding activity of L.V. Shaposhnikova on popularization of the Roerichs’ heritage and creation of the non-governmental Museum.

Anatoly E. Karpov, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the non-governmental Museum named after Nicholas Roerich, multiple world chess champion, paid tribute to the memory of Lyudmila Shaposhnikova.

The RAS Academician Evgeny P.Chelyshev knew L.V. Shaposhnikova for many decades. In his greeting he underscored that N.K.Roerich’s words “Blessed be the obstacles, through them we grow” fully apply to L.V. Shaposhnikova.

The RAS Academician, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum named after Nicholas Roerich Yuri F. Ryzhov noted that he was honored to know L.V. Shaposhnikova.

Words of gratitude and appreciation to the activity of L.V. Shaposhnikova were also expressed in greetings by Grigory E. Ordzhonikidze, the Executive Secretary of the Russian Federation for UNESCO Commission; Georgy N. Furseya, professor, President of the International League for the protection of Culture.

The conference considerate issues relating to the artistic heritage of L.V. Shaposhnikova, her achievements in philosophy, history, culturology, many-sided selfless activity on preservation, research, popularization and protection of the Roerichs’ heritage.